Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
30 Client Reviews
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David M. Stegall
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About David
Biography
David M. Stegall is an accomplished attorney and shareholder at Lawton & Cates. In his 15+ years in practice, he has successfully represented clients in numerous complex cases involving serious bodily injury, workers’ compensation, civil litigation, and criminal defense. He is known for his zealous defense of his clients’ rights and is highly respected throughout the state of Wisconsin for his accomplishments in the legal field.
Prior to entering private practice, David Stegall worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee County. As a prosecutor, he tried hundreds of cases, serving as lead prosecutor in more than 40 jury trials. Before beginning his legal career, he served as a Calvary Officer in the United States Army and is a passionate supporter or our military veterans. He is a member of numerous important legal organizations, including the Wisconsin Association for Justice, the American Inns of Court, and the Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, among others.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
25%
Litigation
25%
Personal Injury
25%
Workers Compensation
25%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in Wisconsin for 19 years
State: Wisconsin
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Lawton & Cates
345 W Washington Ave, Suite 201, Madison, WI, 53703
lawtoncates.com/attorneys/dave-m-stegallGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find David online.
David M. Stegall's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Kari | June 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Zealous, Commited and Very Sklled Lawyer
If I could give Attorney David Stegall a 10 star rating I would. Attorney Stegall was referred to us by another Lawton Cates Attorney when a civil debt collection case he was providing us representation in mystically took a journey into criminal charges. Attorney Stegall quickly identified the releva...
Posted by anonymous | August 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very good lawyer
I was very impressed with the work that Mr. Stegall did for me on my case. He went over all the possiblilities that I could encounter through the process. Was very informative. Provided me with answers to any questions I had. Was very responsive to any time I needed to communicate with him. I wou...
Posted by Elaine | January 25, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
BEST LAWYER EVER!!!
David shows and executes excellent knowledge and understanding of both state and federal laws. He is as a two edged sword with his extremely capable understanding from both the standpoint of defense and prosecution, yet his greatest tool is his most humble and respectful demeanor both with his client...
Posted by Deb | July 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
David Stegall - Very Informative and Helpful Lawyer
My son unexpectedly was in need of a lawyer. David was very patient explaining what could or would happen. He informed us of exactly what to expect in court (needless to say we were both a little nervous). He responded to questions in a reasonable amount of time. Our outcome was very positive.
Posted by anonymous | February 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Lawyer
David Stegall represented me during a very tough time, and helped me to get the best possible outcome for my situation. I couldn't be happier. I would highly recommend David Stegall for all of my legal matters.
David M. Stegall's Lawyer Endorsements
"When I was a prosecutor, I had many cases with Attorney Stegall, including a jury trial. His experiences as a prosecutor prepared him perfectly to guide people through the criminal justice system; he knows what should happen and how to make it happen. He is easily one of the best attorneys I have known, and I endorse him without reservation."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Attorney Stegall since his days in the Milwaukee County District Attorney's office and have always found him to be professional, knowledgeable and very fair. Attorney Stegall is someone I would have no problem referring a friend or family member to."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Stegall is a great lawyer. I have known him since he was an Assistant District Attorney in Milwaukee County. He always showed courtesy and respect in and out of court. His litigation skills are A-one."
"David is an extremely knowledgeable and thoughtful litigator. As a former Assistant District Attorney, he has better courtroom experience and trial skills than the vast majority of his peers. I would trust David with any criminal or complex civil litigation matter."
"I first got to know Dave when he worked for the Milwaukee District Attorney's Office. He was always very fair in his approach to cases, and very knowledgeable about the law and facts of each case he handled. Since he joined Lawton & Cates, I have consulted with him a number of occasions and value his input. I would not hesitate to recommend Dave because he is honest, genuine, and intelligent."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"As a prosecutor, David tried numerous cases. His trial experience has undoubtedly benefitted him in private practice and will continue to do so. He's a great lawyer who is easy to work with and gets great results for his clients. I definitely recommend David Stegall."
"We worked together (as opposing counsels) on a big criminal case and we were able to settle it while engaging in a professional and amicable communication regarding the details of the case and finally the details of the settlement. He was straightforward and honest as it came to the details of the case and we were able to engage in efficient work in finalizing all the details of the settlement."
"David Stegall is an outstanding lawyer. His knowledge of criminal law is exemplary, and his ability to work amicably with opposing counsel without sacrificing his client's interest is an indispensable asset. I highly recommend David Stegall."
Christopher Donovan
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Cherella
Criminal defense lawyer
Christopher Donovan
Criminal defense lawyer
Bridget Krause
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Hart
Criminal defense lawyer
Daniel Adams
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Certified Criminal Trial Advocate, National Board of Trial Advocacy
2019
Platinum Client Champion, Martindale-Hubbell
2006
Cum Laude, Marquette University Law School
1997
Distinguished Military Graduate, United States Army
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Attorney, Lawton & Cates
1900 - Present
Shareholder and Attorney, Lawton & Cates, S.C.
2006 - 2012
Assistant District Attorney, Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2012 - Present
Wisconsin Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2012 - Present
Wisconsin Association for Justice
2012 - Present
Dane County Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Attempted First Degree Intentional Homicide, Aggravated Battery
Due to Attorney Stegall’s hard work and advocacy, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on both counts.
Possession of Child Pornography
Not Guilty
1st Degree Sexual Assault (three counts)
Not Guilty on All counts
Car Accident Jury trial
Trial result was 358% higher than insurance company offer
Car Accident
Trial Result 750% increase over insurance company offer
Sexual Harassment
Six Figure Settlement
Injured Motorcyclist
900% Increase over Insurance company initial offer
Work Related Back Injury
Work Related Back Injury
Education
2006
Marquette University Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2017
State Bar of Wisconsin
DUI
2013
2013 Wisconsin Solo & Small Firm Conference
An Overview of OWI Cases From Both Sides of the Courtroom
2012
John “Sly” Sylvester
Repeat Commentator on "Sly in the Morning" Radio Show
Publications
2019
2019
Traffic Law and Practice in Wisconsin (State Bar of Wisconsin)
2019-2020 Supplement
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
After workers comp pays my medical bills, do I get a settlement ?
15 May 2020
Q&A
A notice of hearing paper in the mail, & it says re disorderly conduct county/municipality this case is scheduled for: Intake?
19 May 2020
Q&A
What happens in a case of being charged with a 943.01(1) ?
04 May 2020
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Oh Sh&t! Can You Really Be Charged with Possessing Someone Else Drugs?
05 Apr 2020
Legal Guide
COVID 19 at Your Workplace? Read This! Your COVID 19 Workers Compensation Action Plan.
25 Mar 2020
Legal Guide
Wisconsin Workers Compensation COVID 19 Update: A Path Forward
24 Mar 2020